A course in this program won a coveted CODiE award from the Software & Information Industry Association.

A course in this program won a coveted CODiE award from the Software & Information Industry Association.

Overview

The online path to a highly respected degree in cloud administration—plus top industry certs.

High demand for system administrators makes now the perfect time to build your résumé with certifications and a bachelor’s degree in cloud and system administration. WGU’s online B.S. Cloud and Systems Administration degree program will arm you with the skills you need to turn your experience and passion for technology into an administration IT career—and the certifications and credentials that prove your expertise.

When you complete this program, not only will you have your bachelor’s degree, but you will also have completed an impressive suite of industry certifications, including the Amazon AWS SysOps Administration-Associate—all included in your low tuition and incorporated right into your coursework! Earning certs on the path to your degree gives you knowledge, skills, and credentials that will boost your résumé right away, even before you complete your degree program.

74% of IT bachelor's grads finish in

6–36 mos.

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

Certs included in coursework:

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IT cloud and systems administration professionals are needed in all types of organizations.

Businesses of all sizes and in all industries now rely on cloud services to store, share, and manage their valuable digital assets. This dramatic move to the cloud in recent years has led to a sharp increase in demand for skilled professionals trained to manage and administer information systems, with a focus on cloud and emerging technologies. Some of the job titles a graduate of this systems and cloud administration bachelor’s degree program might achieve include:

Our Bachelor of Science Cloud and Systems Administration degree program was designed, and is regularly updated, with input from key experts on our Information Technology Program Council. In addition to core IT skills, the program focuses on cloud technologies, security, networking, scripting, emerging technologies, and server administration.

Earning a bachelor’s degree designed by industry experts adds theoretical depth to the practical knowledge you already have. The experts who make up our IT Program Council know exactly what it takes for a graduate to be successful in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of cloud and systems administration.

Core Subject Areas

Lower-division courses may be cleared through transfer credit. Following are some examples:

A supported, personalized experience.

WGU is unlike any university you’ve experienced before—in the best possible way! Take a look at what we mean:

FacultyLearningAssessmentCapstoneAlumni Support

Faculty

SUPPORTING YOU: Faculty focused on students.

WGU faculty members have one goal in mind: your success. Your Program Mentor is your individually assigned faculty member, providing guidance and instruction from the day you start to the day you graduate. In addition, Course Instructors provide subject-matter instruction and support, typically one-on-one, exactly when you need it.

Learning

YOUR ROADMAP: A personalized learning plan.

Your program is made up of a series of courses, each a personalized journey toward subject mastery. A preassessment provides insight into what you already know. You’ll then learn what you still need to learn, using online learning resources—available 24/7—along with one-on-one or cohort-based faculty instruction.

Assessment

PROVE IT: Show you know your stuff.

WGU measures learning, not time, so each course culminates in an assessment—a test, paper, project, or certification that allows you to prove what you know. As soon as you’re ready, take the assessment—including the ability to take proctored exams from the comfort of your own home— via webcam, any time of day!

Capstone

APPLY IT: Solve a problem.

Throughout your program, you will focus on acquiring and proving specific competencies. At program’s end, you’ll complete a final capstone project that allows you to show off everything you’ve learned by proposing a solution to an relevant issue in your industry. Your mentor can help you select your capstone topic.

Alumni Support

ALWAYS a Night Owl.

Continued support after you graduate includes many opportunities for professional development and enrichment, career support, and networking. Night Owls may be independent learners, but they also become highly engaged in our active alumni community through apps, groups, and events.

The accreditation you need, plus industry respect and recognition.

Accredited

Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), which provides the accreditation of many other major institutions, such as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, Gonzaga University, University of Utah, University of Idaho, and Brigham Young University, to name just a few.

Respected

Recognized

“I’m impressed by the results in places like Western Governors University. Its low-cost online programs rely on competency-based progression, not class time or credit hours. It uses external assessments to evaluate student proficiency.”

Bill Gates “Why American Colleges Have to Change”

Accredited

Respected

Recognized

Our programs check all the boxes. If this degree is your goal, get started toward becoming a student today—programs start the first of each month.

When we say affordable, we mean it.

$295 per-term fees include Resource Fee of $145 (covers all e-books and learning resources, saving you hundreds per term) and Program Fee of $150 (covers additional costs specific to this program).

Control the cost of your program: Our tuition links cost to time.

By charging per term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.

Flat-rate tuition of $3,520 per term links cost to time.

By charging per 6-month term rather than per credit hour—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or can learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees.

There's help if you need it.

Financial aid is available.

Our goal: You graduate with little or no debt.

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2016 (among those who borrowed) was less than half the national average. WGU’s three-pronged approach to keeping your debt low and your return on investment quick: One, provide useful information and advice on responsible borrowing before enrollment. Two, keep tuition low while you're enrolled. And three, offer degree programs that lead to better-paying jobs after graduation.

Degree Cost Comparison*

Low tuition and the ability to accelerate make WGU more affordable than most other schools. When you compare us with other programs, WGU’s Bachelor of Science Cloud and Systems Administration degree program offers rigorous curriculum with competitive post-graduation results for around half what you'd pay at another university—or even less.
*Estimates based on July 2017 WGU and competitor tuition data. Learn more about WGU's tuition and how it compares.

Transparent fees and no hidden costs.

The costs of attending college often include much more than tuition and fees. WGU is designed to be different, and that translates to cost savings everywhere from books to babysitting.

Other universities bury you in unexpected costs. Not WGU.

Click to explore the extra costs:

TuitionBooks

ParkingGas

Library / resource feesBabysitter every week fornighttime classes

WGU

Other online college

Traditional4 year school

This demonstration shows how various costs—including official fees and incidental costs of attending school—can add up in different learning environments. It's meant as an illustration only.

Curriculum designed to make you an expert cloud and systems administrator.

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to ensure your degree is proof you really know your stuff.

Every course focuses on a set of clearly defined competencies that you must prove you’ve learned—through tests, papers, projects, or other assessments. Demonstrating mastery is how you pass a course, so learning what it takes to be outstanding in your career is at the heart of WGU’s Bachelor of Science Cloud and Systems Administration curriculum.

That means that what you learn is often directly applicable the next day at work—and it means that what you’re doing at work frequently informs the work you’re doing in your courses. It’s all about real-world applicability so every moment spent studying is time well spent.

Courses in this program.

This program is made up of the following courses. Some may be waived through transfer from your previous college experience or industry certifications you already hold. The rest you will complete one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

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Network and Security

Cloud Foundations

More and more companies are shifting to a cloud computing model of doing business. The Cloud Foundations course focuses on the real-world issues and practical solutions of cloud computing in business and IT. Competency in this course will be demonstrated by the successful completion of the CompTIA Cloud Essentials certification exam.

Emerging Technologies

The Emerging Technology course examines emerging technologies, identifies the benefits and drawbacks of technology adoption, and provides students with a process to evaluate technologies. The course will examine three technologies that may have an impact on Information Technology services in the coming years.

Linux Foundations

Linux Foundations is an introduction to Linux as an operating system as well as an introduction to open source concepts and the basics of the Linux command line. Expert content, a Linux virtual machine, and step-by-step labs give you hands-on access to practice Linux command line concepts. Linux is widely used in different industries for all kinds of functions including web servers, firewalls, and graphic design, and provides robust functionality and a stable, secure environment that is not often found in any other client operating system.

Cloud Applications

Cloud Applications teaches students to implement and maintain cloud technologies and enables them to jump into a rapidly growing market. As more businesses shift their IT operations to cloud platforms, skills in cloud computing and virtualization have become a frequently required qualification for IT professionals. This course prepares students for the following certification exam: CV0-002 CompTIA Cloud+. While it is strongly recommended that students complete Cloud Foundations (C849) prior to beginning this course, there are no prerequisites.

Network and Security - Foundations

Network and Security - Foundations introduces students to the components of a computer network and the concept and role of communication protocols. The course covers widely used categorical classifications of networks (e.g., LAN, MAN, WAN, WLAN, PAN, SAN, CAN, and VPN) as well as network topologies, physical devices, and layered abstraction. The course also introduces students to basic concepts of security covering vulnerabilities of networks and mitigation techniques, security of physical media, and security policies and procedures.This course has no prerequisites.

Networks

Networks for undergraduates focuses on the general concepts and applications of computer operating systems and network topologies. The fundamental knowledge and skills gained in this course prepares students for the CompTIA Network+ (N10-007) certification exam. C172 is a pre-requisite for this course, and should be completed prior to beginning Networks, C480.

Network and Security - Applications

Network and Security - Applications prepares students for the CompTIA Security+ certification exam. Successfully completing the course ensures the student will demonstrate the knowledge and skills required to install and configure systems to secure applications, networks, and devices; perform threat analysis and respond with appropriate mitigation techniques; participate in risk mitigation activities; and operate with an awareness of applicable policies, laws, and regulations. The following course is a prerequisite: C480 Networks

Cloud Deployment and Operations

Cloud Deployment and Operations provides students with the technical skills in deployment, management, and operations of cloud services. This course allows students to examine stability and scalability, backup and recovery processes, and deployment best practices. Provisioning of cloud resources, monitoring of cloud resources, and managing connectivity are also examined. Competency in this course is demonstrated by successfully completing the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certified SysOps Administrator - Associate certification exam. The following courses are prerequisites: Cloud Applications (C923).

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Scripting and Programming

Scripting and Automation

Scripting and Automation is the foundation for automating tasks in operating systems. Students will learn how to create PowerShell scripts that take tedious and repetitious tasks and turn them into programs that will save time. Students will learn PowerShell, an automation and configuration management tool based on a command-line shell and .NET Framework.

Scripting and Programming - Foundations

Scripting and Programming - Foundations provides an introduction to programming, covering basic elements such as variables, data types, flow control, and design concepts. The course is language-agnostic in nature, ending in a survey of languages and introduces the distinction between interpreted and compiled languages. There are no prerequisites for this course.

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Business of IT

Business of IT - Applications

Business of IT – Applications examines Information Technology Infrastructure Library ( ITIL®) terminology, structure, policies, and concepts. Focusing on the management of Information Technology (IT) infrastructure, development, and operations, students will explore the core principles of ITIL practices for service management to prepare them for careers as IT professionals, business managers, and business process owners. This course has no prerequisites.

Business of IT - Project Management

In this course, students will build on industry standard concepts, techniques, and processes to develop a comprehensive foundation for project management activities. During a project's life cycle, students will develop the critical skills necessary to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close a project. Students will apply best practices in areas such as scope management, resource allocation, project planning, project scheduling, quality control, risk management, performance measurement, and project reporting. This course prepares students for the following certification exam: CompTIA Project+.

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IT Fundamentals

Introduction to IT

Introduction to IT examines information technology as a discipline and the various roles and functions of the IT department as business support. Students are presented with various IT disciplines including systems and services, network and security, scripting and programming, data management, and business of IT, with a survey of technologies in every area and how they relate to each other and to the business.

IT Foundations

IT Foundations is the first course in a two-part series preparatory for the CompTIA A+ exam, Part I. Students will gain an understanding of personal computer components and their functions in a desktop system, as well as computer data storage and retrieval; classifying, installing, configuring, optimizing, upgrading, and troubleshooting printers, laptops, portable devices, operating systems, networks, and system security; recommending appropriate tools, diagnostic procedures, preventative maintenance and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components in a desktop system; strategies for identifying, preventing, and reporting safety hazards and environmental/human accidents in a technological environments; and effective communication with colleagues and clients as well as job-related professional behavior.

IT Applications

IT Applications is a continuation of the IT Foundations course preparatory for the CompTIA A+ exam, Part II.
Students will gain an understanding of personal computer components and their functions in a desktop system. Also covered is computer data storage and retrieval, including classifying, installing, configuring, optimizing, upgrading, and troubleshooting printers, laptops, portable devices, operating systems, networks, and system security. Other areas include recommending appropriate tools, diagnostic procedures, preventative maintenance and troubleshooting techniques for personal computer components in a desktop system. The course then finished with strategies for identifying, preventing, and reporting safety hazards and environmental/human accidents in a technological environments, and effective communication with colleagues and clients as well as job-related professional behavior.

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General Education

Introduction to Communication

This introductory communication course allows students to become familiar with the fundamental communication theories and practices necessary to engage in healthy professional and personal relationships. Students will survey human communication on multiple levels and critically apply the theoretical grounding of the course to interpersonal, intercultural, small group, and public presentational contexts. The course also encourages students to consider the influence of language, perception, culture, and media on their daily communicative interactions. In addition to theory, students will engage in the application of effective communication skills through systematically preparing and delivering an oral presentation. By practicing these fundamental skills in human communication, students become more competent communicators as they develop more flexible, useful, and discriminatory communicative practices in a variety of contexts.

English Composition I

English Composition I introduces learners to the types of writing and thinking that are valued in college and beyond. Students will practice writing in several genres with emphasis placed on writing and revising academic arguments. Instruction and exercises in grammar, mechanics, research documentation, and style are paired with each module so that writers can practice these skills as necessary.
Comp I is a foundational course designed to help students prepare for success at the college level.
There are no prerequisites for English Composition I.

Critical Thinking and Logic

Reasoning and Problem Solving helps students internalize a systematic process for exploring issues that takes them beyond an unexamined point of view and encourages them to become more self-aware thinkers by applying principles of problem identification and clarification, planning and information gathering, identifying assumptions and values, analysis and interpretation of information and data, reaching well-founded conclusions, and identifying the role of critical thinking in the disciplines and professions.

Introduction to Geography

This course will discuss geographic concepts, places and regions, physical and human systems and the environment.

Intermediate Algebra

This course provides an introduction of algebraic concepts and the development of the essential groundwork for College Algebra. Topics include: A review of basic mathematical skills, the real number system, algebraic expressions, linear equations, graphing, exponents and polynomials

College Algebra

This course provides further application and analysis of algebraic concepts and functions through mathematical modeling of real-world situations. Topics include: real numbers, algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities, graphs and functions, polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, and systems of linear equations.

Introduction to Probability and Statistics

In this course, students demonstrate competency in the basic concepts, logic, and issues involved in statistical reasoning. Topics include summarizing and analyzing data, sampling and study design, and probability.

Introduction to Humanities

This introductory humanities course allows students to practice essential writing, communication, and critical thinking skills necessary to engage in civic and professional interactions as mature, informed adults. Whether through studying literature, visual and performing arts, or philosophy, all humanities courses stress the need to form reasoned, analytical, and articulate responses to cultural and creative works. Studying a wide variety of creative works allows students to more effectively enter the global community with a broad and enlightened perspective.

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General Science Content

Introduction to Biology

This course is a foundational introduction to the biological sciences. The overarching theories of life from biological research are explored as well as the fundamental concepts and principles of the study of living organisms and their interaction with the environment. Key concepts include how living organisms use and produce energy; how life grows, develops, and reproduces; how life responds to the environment to maintain internal stability; and how life evolves and adapts to the environment.

Integrated Physical Sciences

This course provides students with an overview of the basic principles and unifying ideas of the physical sciences: physics, chemistry, and Earth sciences. Course materials focus on scientific reasoning and practical and everyday applications of physical science concepts to help students integrate conceptual knowledge with practical skills.

Natural Science Lab

This course gives you an introduction to using the scientific method and engaging in scientific research to reach conclusions about the natural world. You will design and carry out an experiment to investigate a hypothesis by gathering quantitative data.

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Operating Systems

Operating Systems I

This course prepares students for the following certification exam: CompTIA Linux+ Part I.

Operating Systems II

This course prepares students for the following certification exam: CompTIA Linux+ Part II.

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Technical Communication

Technical Communication

This course covers basic elements of technical communication, including professional written communication proficiency; the ability to strategize approaches for differing audiences; and technical style, grammar, and syntax proficiency.

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Web Development

Web Development Foundations

This course prepares students for the CIW Site Development Associate certification. The course introduces students to web design and development by presenting them with HTML5 and CSS, the foundational languages of the web, by reviewing media strategies, and by using tools and techniques commonly employed in web development.

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Data Management

Data Management - Foundations

This course introduces students to the concepts and terminology used in the field of data management. They will be introduced to Structured Query Language (SQL) and will learn how to use Data Definition Language (DDL) and Data Manipulation Language (DML) commands to define, retrieve, and manipulate data. This course covers differentiations of data—structured vs. unstructured and quasi-structured (relational, hierarchical, XML, textual, visual, etc); it also covers aspects of data management (quality, policy, storage methodologies). Foundational concepts of data security are included.

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Network Security Challenges

Network Policies and Services Management

This course prepares students for the following certification exam: MCSA: Installing and Configuring Windows Server.

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Network Design and Management

Server Administration

This course prepares students for the following certification exam: MCSA: Administering Windows Server.

Network Reliability and Fault Tolerance

This course prepares students for the following certification exam: MCSA: Configuring Advanced Windows Server.

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Capstone

IT Capstone Written Project

The capstone project consists of a technical work proposal, the proposal’s implementation, and a post-implementation report that describes the graduate’s experience in developing and implementing the capstone project. The capstone project should be presented and approved by the program mentor in relation to the graduate’s technical emphasis.

Plan to work hard: Program requirements and expectations.

The B.S. Cloud and Systems Administration program is an all-online program that you will complete by studying and working independently with instruction and support from WGU faculty. You will be expected to complete at least 12 competency units each 6-month term. (One course is typically 3 or 4 units.)

The first person you speak with at WGU will be your Enrollment Counselor, an expert in your program who can explain all the requirements and expectations in more detail. You can also read more about each course in the Program Guide.

Capstone project: At the end of your program, you will complete a capstone project that represents the culmination of all your hard work—a project that allows you to take what you’ve learned and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue faced in an actual place of business.

Quality you can trust: Curriculum developed with guidance from IT employers and experts.

Program councils, composed of industry and academic experts, drive the creation of our degree programs, providing input on the competencies a graduate needs to have mastered for success in the field.

How You'll Learn

Competency-based education puts working IT professionals in the driver’s seat of their education.

Competency-based education (CBE) allows you to set the speed of your progress—no waiting for other class members to catch up or for a new semester to start.

Taking a course covering concepts you’ve been applying for years? Review the course material, take the assessment, and move on. Taking a course in a subject you’ve never tried? Maximize all available resources to ensure you’re comfortable with the material by the time you take the assessment.

Designed for professionals with tech talent.

You’ve worked in tech for years. Your experience, skill, and hard work have gotten you this far, but the next step requires something you don't have: your degree. We believe your experience should count for something. You deserve a bachelor’s degree program that will take into account all the know-how you’ve gained over the years, allowing you to move through courses as quickly as you can prove you've mastered the material. No waiting for other students or the end of the semester. No sitting through classes you could teach. Just a smart, direct path to the degree your career needs and the respect you deserve.

Competency-Based Education (CBE)

How it helps you

Efficient

Save time and money by focusing your efforts where they matter the most.

Your knowledge, experience, and drive to finish your degree are valuable. Put those qualities to work and master material more quickly, potentially graduating ahead of schedule.

Flexible

Learn on your own terms.

With all online courses and no set meeting times, you can study whenever and wherever works best for you. Earning a degree will take hard work, but you can fit your study around your existing commitments, not the other way around.

Results

Know you’re learning real-world skills.

You will frequently find that what you learn in your courses can be directly applied to what you are doing at work—and your employer will notice, as well.

Finish courses by proving what you know, as soon as you’re ready.

With competency-based education at WGU, success is measured by actual learning, not class time. You advance by demonstrating that you've mastered the course subject matter—whether you learned it through your study at WGU or picked up that knowledge through years of work experience.

Your progress through a course is driven by you.

How quickly you learn

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The time you devote to studying

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How much previous knowledge you bring

See it in action.

Play the game to see how a competency-based course works at WGU.

competency, noun

Demonstrated knowledge, skill, or ability required to advance in a degree program.

At WGU, course competencies are defined by an expert council, including employers.

For this course, there are 3 areas you need to prove competency in.

Start

First, let's take a pre‑assessment.

Determine what you already know from previous work and education experience, and where you need to focus your studies. Prove your competency in 3 areas in this exercise.

Result:

Your experience pays at WGU.

Find success with a highly respected cloud and systems administration degree and 18 of the most in-demand certs.

The B.S. in Cloud and Systems Administration degree program at WGU will prepare you with the cutting-edge network server administration skills that employers demand as well as recognized industry cloud and system certifications like Amazon Web Services Certified SysOps Administrator Associate and Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA). You will be an effective, highly marketable cloud and systems administrator.

6%

Employment of network and computer systems administrators is projected to grow 6% from 2016 to 2026.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Explore a career in cloud and systems admin.

Get salary info, job and industry outlook, work environment description, and more.

WGU is a university committed to producing successful grads.

The ultimate test of your degree's value is whether it helps you become an outstanding employee and advance your career. Our happy grads—and their happy employers—confirm that WGU is the path to that kind of degree.

Happy employers

Happy grads

They're Prepared.

Employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.

They Perform.

Employers rated WGU graduates' job performance as very good or excellent.

They Wow.

Employers said their WGU graduates have exceeded their expectations.

They're Confident.

Graduates said the majority of their coursework was related to their jobs.

Your Enrollment Counselor is there to help you make an informed decision.

The first step toward change can be the hardest—we get it. Your "welcoming committee" at WGU is made up of Enrollment Counselors, Admissions Specialists, and faculty members. Your initial interactions at WGU will be guided by an Enrollment Counselor who specializes in the programs you're interested in. Your Enrollment Counselor is ready with as much help as you may need: answering your questions, walking you through next steps, or providing you with additional program information to consider.

Admission requirements unique to this degree.

To be considered for enrollment into the Bachelor of Science Cloud and Systems Administration program, you must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. You must also be able to demonstrate IT experience through at least one of the following:

WGU seeks to admit individuals who have the capacity and determination to complete a rigorous WGU degree program … and graduate. The admission process is designed to help you and the university reach an informed decision about your likelihood of success.

At WGU we want you to graduate, not just enroll. Consequently, not every applicant is admitted because not every individual is a good “fit” for WGU’s programs and competency-based, online academic model.

Common questions about enrolling in a College of IT degree program.

What if I can't meet the eligibility requirements to enroll in the IT program I am interested in?

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You should speak with an Enrollment Counselor. WGU can often provide advice or resources to help a prospective student fulfill enrollment prerequisites.

Why are certifications and other prerequisites required?

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When you enroll in a WGU degree program, our goal is to see you through to graduation. Admission requirements are designed to increase your likelihood of success. Years of data and experience with the nontraditional students WGU serves have shown us how various types of academic and professional experience can be highly important in helping a student persist to graduation. Industry certifications are one of many ways a student can meet eligibility.

Why doesn't WGU accept certifications that are older than five years?

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WGU has an obligation to our graduates—and their current and future employers—to ensure WGU alumni have mastered the the most up-to-date, current competencies and skills needed in the workplace. Recency of certifications helps us ensure that students have demonstrated competency in skills as they are needed in today's working world.

Is this program truly "at your own pace"?

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As a full-time student, you will be required to maintain a minimum pace of 12 competency units (CUs) per term for undergraduate programs or 8 CUs per term for graduate programs. However, there is no maximum speed—once you complete a course, you move immediately to the next, and you complete a course not by waiting for the syllabus, the professor, or the rest of the class. You progress by learning the material and proving it—so you can move through your coursework at the speed of your own learning and experience.

If there aren't classes or lectures, what role do Course Instructors play?

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Course Instructors are highly educated, experienced experts in the subject matter of a course. Unlike in a traditional university where going to class means listening to an instructor lecture while you take notes and try to learn in a group setting, WGU's Course Instructors provide one-on-one instruction and support when you need it—tailoring the instruction to your precise needs when you need it. Course Instructors also provide additional resources, lead topical discussions in online communities, and find countless other ways to bring a specific course to life for students.